Category Archives: TechTalkTopic

March 6, 2012 · 9:48 AM

3/6 Tech Talk: Google Chrome

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjMN_ZDPYBY65LPDLyxu_MrX-9LRWa5wOpY0C1e0sfwl8lAZ5C

This week’s Tech Talk is: Google Chrome

Which Internet Browser is your favorite? Internet Explorer? Mozilla Firefox? Safari? Google Chrome? If you’ve switched to Gmail and haven’t checked out Google Chrome yet…you’re missing out!

Chrome isn’t just a web browser. It offers many extensions and applications that can increase productivity. Chrome allows you to sync your Google account so that you can log in from any computer and continue to use the same bookmarks, extensions, and apps. To get started with customizing Chrome, just click on the little wrench in the upper right hand corner of the browser. The drop down menu with give you options to check your history and change many of the options that come with the web browser.

Here are some resources that may help you understand Chrome -

Here are some of my favorite Chrome extensions/Apps -

If you are familiar with Chrome, which ones would you add to my list of favorites?

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March 2, 2012 · 1:28 PM

2/29 Tech Talk: Google Sites

This week’s Tech Talk is: Google Sites

Prepare to fall in love with Google Apps for Education this month! West De Pere is GOING GOOGLE! This week we covered Google Sites!

Here are some resources that may help you understand Google Sites-

Have a GREAT weekend!

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February 27, 2012 · 7:53 AM

2/23 Tech Talk: Google Docs

Last week’s Tech Talk was: Google Docs

Prepare to fall in love with Google Apps for Education this month! West De Pere is GOING GOOGLE! Last week, the topic was Google Docs.

Here are some resources to help you understand more about Google Docs-

Have a great week!

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February 14, 2012 · 9:29 AM

2/14 Tech Talk: Google Calendar

 

This week’s Tech Talk is: Google Calendar

Prepare to fall in love with Google Apps for Education this month! West De Pere is GOING GOOGLE! This week, the topic was Google Calendar.

Here are some resources to help you understand more about Google Calendar -

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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February 10, 2012 · 2:48 PM

2/9 Tech Talk: Gmail

 

This week’s Tech Talk is: Gmail

Prepare to fall in love with Google Apps for Education this month! West De Pere is GOING GOOGLE! This week, we started off with Gmail!

Here are some resources that may help you understand Gmail -

  • Life After Microsoft Outlook – This resource does a great job of explaining the differences between Outlook and Gmail. If you are more of a visual learner, you may enjoy instead.
  • Google Apps for Ed Training Center – Learn more about the ins and outs of Gmail. Again, if you are more of a visual learner, the GoogleApps Channel on YouTube has oodles of Gmail how-to videos.
  • – A quick video to help explain how priority inbox works.

If you have not switched over to Gmail yet, and would like to do so before next school year, please let me know! Our goal is to make you feel very supported as we make the transition. Please let me know if you need any help or have any questions!

Have a GREAT weekend!

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February 2, 2012 · 9:30 AM

2/2 Tech Talk: iThings

Nate Beeler cartoonCartoon by Nate Beeler of the Washington Examiner

This week’s Tech Talk was: iThings

Here are some of the Apps that were mentioned this week:

Be sure to also check out the list of apps from the iPad for Elementary Session from our January In-service too!

Have a great day!

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January 19, 2012 · 12:59 PM

1/19 Tech Talk: Google Search Strategies

Google-Search.jpg

This week’s Tech Talk is: Google Search Strategies

There are few things more frustrating than doing a simple Google search and coming up with 18,392,584 results. It can be even more aggravating when you want your students to find something, only to discover that they’ve gotten lost in “Internet Land” and wasted an entire class period. The Internet can be overwhelming, but there are MANY things that you AND your students can do to help narrow down Internet search results.

Take some time to watch this video about web search strategies. It is also a great video to show to your students!

Here are some other resources that may help -

Have a great day!

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January 16, 2012 · 9:35 AM

1/10 Tech Talk: Google Apps for Education

Last week’s Tech Talk was: Google Apps for Education

There has certainly been a “buzz” around the district about “Going Google.” That has left many people wondering…what is this Google Apps stuff, anyway?!?

Check out this video – .

So… now you’re probably wondering…why the switch??? Here are a couple of reasons why many school districts are “Going Google” -

The Tech Talks will have a definite Google focus through the month of February. I’ll hope you’ll join me to learn more about all of the exciting features that Google offers!

Have a great week!

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December 1, 2011 · 12:53 PM

12/1 Tech Talk: iThings

This week’s Tech Talk is: iThings

App’s that were mentioned this month:

Toontastic - This app was recommended by handheld expert, Tony Vincent, and it ROCKS! It’s still free right now so get it while you can! (Can you tell I love this app!?)
Preschool University Apps – LOTS of free apps for spelling, phonics, and reading
Wall of Memories – possible for portfolio building?
Pocket Phonics
Kids Match Rhyme
Fun Rhyming
Mad Math Lite
Pop Math

Other items to note -
***Kris Neuens shared this awesome math website…check it out!!!
***The Summer Instructional Technology Academy (SITA) dates are set! Mark your calendars for July 30th through August 2nd. SITA will be held at Bayport High School again this year.

Have a great day!

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November 15, 2011 · 10:52 AM

11/15 Tech Talk: Overdrive

This week’s Tech Talk is: Overdrive

Overdrive is our library’s new electronic collection, which consists of more than 600 e-books and audio books that can be checked out and downloaded to any computer, Nook, mp3 player, cell phone, iPod, iPad, and Kindle! The best part about it is that West De Pere students and staff will be able to access these library materials from anywhere they have internet access. Please take a look at a quick overview of the site below, and help me spread the word to our students!

Overdrive Info
· Every student/staff member can check out up to two items at a time.
· Items will be automatically returned after the lending period expires.
· Before being able to access e-books and audiobooks, you need to install Adobe Digital Editions and Overdrive Media Console (Both are available for free on the Overdrive website).
· There is a free Overdrive App for iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone.
· Overdrive is compatible with virtually all devices. Check compatible devices.

Accessing Overdrive
1. Go to your school’s library webpage.
2. Click on “E-Books” to access the Overdrive page.
3. Click “Sign In” in the upper right hand corner of the screen, and enter log-in information (see below).
4. Begin browsing and downloading books to your computer or device.

Overdrive Tips

Student Log-In
Library Card Number – Student ID Number
PIN – Network Password

Software Downloads
Adobe Digital Editions – For E-Books
Overdrive Media Console – For Audio Books

Most Compatible Formats
E-Books – Use EPUB
Audio Books – Use MP3

Return Policy
E-Books – Can be returned any time
Audio Books – Cannot be returned early

Mr. Slowinski is more than happy to answer all of your Overdrive questions, or come into your classroom some day to teach your kids how to use it!  Please contact him with any questions that you may have.

Happy Reading!

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